{"id":71960,"date":"2025-03-17T04:25:47","date_gmt":"2025-03-17T11:25:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?page_id=71960"},"modified":"2026-02-10T11:50:04","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T19:50:04","slug":"get-your-yard-ready-for-spring","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/get-your-yard-ready-for-spring\/","title":{"rendered":"Expert Tips to Get Your Yard Ready for Spring"},"content":{"rendered":"

As spring approaches, it\u2019s time to get your yard in shape for the warmer months ahead. Whether you’re in <\/span>Madison, WI<\/span><\/a>, shaking off a long winter, <\/span>Chicago, IL<\/span><\/a>, preparing for unpredictable weather, or <\/span>Austin, TX<\/span><\/a>, where spring is already in full bloom, outdoor maintenance is key. From adding new decorations<\/a>, to clearing away debris, to planting new flowers and managing weeds, now\u2019s the perfect time to refresh your yard. If you\u2019re feeling overwhelmed with where to start, don’t worry \u2014 this guide offers expert tips to help you tackle your outdoor to-do list and get your yard ready for spring.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Luxury<\/p>\n

Prepare your lawn<\/span><\/h2>\n

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your landscape and bring your outdoor space back to life. \u201cAs temperatures warm up, it\u2019s important to prepare your lawn and garden by cleaning up debris, pruning plants, refreshing mulch, and laying fresh sod for a vibrant, healthy lawn,\u201d saysLouis Silva, president of <\/span>Sod Depot<\/span><\/a>. \u201cFocusing on high-quality materials suited to your local climate can help create a thriving landscape this season.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the best ways to prepare your yard for spring is to start with a deep clean-up and soil revitalization. Clear away debris, trim overgrown plants, and dethatch your lawn to promote healthy new growth. Aeration is also essential, especially in high-traffic areas, as it improves soil structure and allows water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots more effectively. Follow up with a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weeds and a slow-release fertilizer to jumpstart your lawn\u2019s growth. These early steps ensure a lush, green lawn all season long.\u201d \u2013 Jason Schiffman, CEO, <\/span>Fort Liberty Lawn<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Start early<\/span><\/h2>\n

One of the best ways to make sure your lawn is adequately prepared for the spring is to start as early as possible. Getting ahead of the growing season can make yard work a lot simpler.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mike Primer of <\/span>How to With Doc<\/span><\/a> provides a few steps that you can take to make sure that your yard is ready for springtime. \u201cFirst, apply a preemergent in early spring to prevent the need for weed killers later in the year. Now is the time to prevent weeds and crabgrass, rather than battle them later. Second, apply a balanced fertilizer (16-4-8) when temperatures are consistently in the 70s. It\u2019s better to apply lighter coats with a product like PGF Complete. Third, don\u2019t be afraid to cut your lawn very short and remove any dead or brown grass while temperatures are cool. This can be done safely in the cooler spring temps, but when summer arrives, it may expose your lawn to stress.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

But be careful and make sure not to start too early. Elana Berk of <\/span>Sustainable Princeton<\/span><\/a> warns that we should wait to clean up your garden until temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees. \u201cOur yards aren\u2019t just \u201cin\u201d the ecosystem \u2014 they are the ecosystem. Did you know that many butterflies, bees, and other pollinators overwinter in the dead leaves and hollowed-out stems of last year\u2019s plants? If you clean out your garden too early, you could destroy this year\u2019s butterflies, bees, and other beneficial pollinators.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Close<\/p>\n

Keep weeds under control<\/span><\/h2>\n

When it comes to managing weeds, it’s important to tackle the problem early and effectively. While some methods may rely on eco-friendly solutions, others focus on taking action at the right time to prevent weeds from taking root. Here, experts share their advice on how to manage weeds in your garden while ensuring long-term success.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you know you can use cardboard as an environmentally friendly material to manage weeds? Simply cover the weeds with cardboard with plenty of overlap and distribute a thick, 3-4-inch layer of mulch on top of the cardboard. Be sure to wet the cardboard and the mulch thoroughly. Unlike petroleum-based weed fabric, the cardboard will eventually turn into soil after it has suppressed the existing weeds.\u201c \u2013 Hudson Soules, Owner, <\/span>Soules Landscapes<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cWe recommend skipping the toxic herbicides this spring \u2014 many popular weed killers contain harmful chemicals linked to serious health risks. Instead, try a simple, nontoxic DIY weed spray: mix \u00bd gallon of strong white vinegar (20% acetic acid), 1 tbsp natural dish soap, and \u00bd cup of salt (optional) in a spray bottle. The vinegar kills weeds on contact, while the soap helps it stick. Use salt only in areas where you never want plants to grow. This eco-friendly alternative protects your health, local wildlife, and soil quality while keeping your yard weed-free.\u201d \u2013 Jen Stout, Co-Founder, <\/span>Healthier <\/span><\/a>Homes<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cWeeding early, ideally right after the first leaves of weeds appear, often is the simplest way to minimize the weeding you will need to do throughout the year. Like most plants, weeds use a lot of energy stored through the winter months to push up that first sprouting of leaves early in the year. The leaves then transform sunlight into energy for the weed’s growth. The less energy the weed gets from sunlight to grow and rebuild its stored energy supply, the weaker the weed will be.\u201d \u2013 Seth Pauley, <\/span>Red Pig Garden Tools<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\"People<\/p>\n

Choose flowers that thrive in Spring<\/span><\/h2>\n